West Bloomfield (11-3) at Birmingham Groves (7-3), 7 p.m.Thursday, Aug. 23: This has turned into a nice little rivalry between Oakland Activities Association schools. West Bloomfield, featuring potent wide receiver Tre Mosley (Michigan State commit), went all the way to the Division 1 final before losing to Clarkston, 3-2, while Groves reached the Division 2 tourney. Picks: Emons (West Bloomfield), Budner (West Bloomfield), Smith (West Bloomfield).

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Senior quarterback Drew Alsobrooks returns for his third season for Livonia Churchill.(Photo: Bill Bresler | hometownlife.com)

Livonia Churchill (8-3) at Canton (10-2), 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24: These are two battle-tested state playoff teams. The host Chiefs welcome new coach Andy LaFata and return Division I recruit Darius Robinson, a senior defensive end. Churchill counters with third-year quarterback Drew Alsobrooks, running back Darrell Mason and slot-back and receiver Avery Grenier. Canton has won four of the last five meetings. Picks: Emons (Canton), Budner (Canton), Smith (Canton).

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Andrew LaFata takes over as Canton's new varsity football coach for Tim Baechler, who retired.(Photo: Bill Bresler | hometownlife.com)

Livonia Stevenson (5-5) vs. Plymouth (4-5), 3:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24, at Michigan Stadium: These two area teams will square off as part of the Battle of the Big House. First-year Plymouth coach Brian Lewis comes over from Ann Arbor Gabriel Richard, while Stevenson returns six starters off a playoff team. Picks: Emons (Plymouth), Budner (Stevenson), Smith (Stevenson).

Livonia Franklin (11-3) at Northville (3-6), 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24: The Patriots enjoyed a dream season last year, going all the way to the Division 2 state final. They rallied in the fourth quarter last year to beat Northville, 19-16. Franklin returns junior QB Jake Kelbert and running back Julius Simmons, along with top defenders Marino DiPonio and Cal Fournier. The Mustangs, coming off a rare off-year under coach Matt Ladach, will be led senior outside linebacker Novan Fernandez and senior nose tackle Emile Rizk. Picks: Emons (Franklin), Budner (Franklin), Smith (Franklin).

Bonus game

North Farmington (2-7) at Farmington Harrison (10-4), 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 24: This will be the 24th and final meeting between the two schools, with Harrison, a Division 3 state finalist a year ago, closing its doors for good in spring 2019. Harrison leads the series, 18-5. The Hawks feature the speedy Rod Heard, who plays corner and some QB, while Bob Chiesa begins his second year at North. Picks: Emons (Harrison), Budner (Harrison), Smith (Harrison).

Contact Brad Emons at bemons@hometownlife.com. Follow him on Twitter: @BradEmons1.